The challenges of developing a modern cardiac research program

The development of a cardiac research program in the current health care setting can bring many challenges. The myriad of changing regulations involving research with vulnerable populations combined with the need to protect patient confidentiality is an issue that must be addressed in the initial stages of development. Also, the lack of an experienced workforce can often make the search for research staffing difficult at best. In 2001, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta initiated a cardiac research program. Over the last year, many obstacles have been overcome, and this experience has led to the appreciation of the challenges ahead.